ODDFELLOWSHIP.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 18 March 1925, Page 7

ODDFELLOWSHIP.

BIENNIAL CONFERENCE

SOUND POSITION -REPORTED (.«V IJiLiIGKAPiJ VKE*S ASSOLUATJON.J WHANGAREI, March 17. The biennial Dominion Conference of the Independent Older of Oddfellows of New Zealand opened to-day, about 30 delegates being present, including Mr M. J. Hooper, Grand Master, and the following members of the executive: Messrs D. 11. Cooper (Auckland), E. \Vilkinson, L. Deane and Ritchie (Dunedin), C. J. Talbot (Canterbury), and W. E. Crooke, Dominion supervisor. A notable absentee was Mr William Reid, consulting grand secretary, who was unable to attend the conference for the first time in 50 years. The visitors were accorded a civic reception by the Mayor. The Grand Master’s report stated that the progress of the last two years was greater than during any other similar period during the half-century. Twenty-six new lodges had been established, including 10 ladies’ branches, making a total of 165 lodges, extending from Kaitaia in the north to Bluff in the south. The total membership was 13,228, making a net gain of . 1000 members. The Dominion supervisor had done excellent work in instructing secretaries and inculcating enthusiasm and establishing the Order in Nelson, Marlborough and Central Otago, which were now . doing splendidly. Benefit funds now exceeded £192,831, which were consolidated for the whole . Dominion. The Grand Trustees reported that these funds had earned an average interest of 5.6 per cent on £IOO,OOO in the year, this exceeding the whole of the sick and funeral payments for the Dominion by £1296. Payments from the old members’ dues fund were £223, and from the benevolent funds the 'payments exceeded £IOOO, which was paid to dependents of members in distress, irrespective of sick and funeral benefits. Consideration would be given this session to extending the sick and funeral benefits and other important matters. The Grand Master urged the continuation of the policy of introducing membership of quality father than greater numbers, taking as their motto “Service before self.” A motion of sympathy was carried with the relations of the late Bro. Urquhart, of Dannevirke, who had recently given his life in an attempt to save another